Congratulations to AFLUA Life Members Neville Nash and Phil Sutton who were inducted into the AFL Premiership Players Club at the RACV Club on Thursday 28th August 2025.
Each year the AFL Premiership Players Club inducts 20 premiership players, coaches and officials onto an Australian postage stamp. The organisation exists to recognise players, coaches and officials who have achieved the ultimate in VFL/AFL football, a premiership.
Neville has now had more than 57 years involvement with umpiring as a VFL umpire, umpire coach, umpire manager and umpire mentor. He umpired 212 VFL matches, including 12 finals and the 1983 VFL Grand Final. He is a Life Member of the AFLUA (1982) and was inducted into the AFLUA Hall of Fame in 2024.
Since retiring from the VFL in 1984, Neville has held a number of coaching and umpire management roles in Victoria and Queensland. He is currently Head of Umpire Development at Yarra Junior Football League.
Phil was honoured in recognition of his 243 VFL/AFL games which included 17 finals and 2 grand finals in 1983 and 1990. He was awarded AFLUA Life Membership in 1991.
Congratulations Neville and Phil, a well-deserved honour for both of you.
Article by Peter Kelly